Buildings Feedback

Climate 2050

Metro Vancouver is developing
Climate 2050 – a plan to guide the Metro Vancouver region to carbon neutrality by 2050. To reach that ambitious target, we need your input. Your input is also considered in developing the region's
Clean Air Plan.

Before responding to this questionnaire you might review Metro Vancouver’s
Buildings Discussion Paper for information relevant to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings in the Metro Vancouver region as well adapting our buildings to Climate Change. The discussion paper reflects ideas from individuals and organizations in this region, and looks at best practices world-wide.

Buildings generate greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels (primarily natural gas), for space and water heating. Emissions from buildings are significant, accounting for approximately one quarter of all regional greenhouse gas emissions.

Buildings are long-lived assets (50 years or more) so energy and carbon intensity requirements and programs for buildings will have a long-term impact on greenhouse gas emissions.

Big Ideas found on page 12 in the Buildings Discussion Paper describe actions that are likely to significantly reduce air contaminants and greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate climate action in this region and include:

Electrify buildings to achieve zero emissions The BC Energy Step Code (page 6 Buildings Discussion Paper) and municipal requirements could be utilized to further limit greenhouse gas and common air contaminant emissions from heating systems by requiring electric heat instead of natural gas.

Restricting residential wood burning to protect human health. Where indoor residential wood burning is responsible for more emissions of fine particulate matter than any other single source in the region, Metro Vancouver is developing a regulation to minimize the contribution of residential wood smoke to regional fine particulate matter emissions and reduce localized exposure risks.

Reduce emissions from existing buildings through benchmarking and performance requirements. Building benchmarking and performance requirements are effective approaches to reduce emissions and are used in more than 30 jurisdictions across North America.

What are your thoughts on these Big Ideas? (seeking input on considerations, implementation, timeframes, or other comments)

Actions found on pages 12 to 14 in the Buildings Discussion Paper describe the policies and programs, including regulations, incentives and educational outreach campaigns, which will lead to emission reductions. Actions from other jurisdictions include:

Mandatory home energy labelling and disclosure at point of listing or sale to protect homebuyers and drive energy retrofits of existing buildings (Portland, Austin).

Which of these actions do you think should be implemented in this region? (seeking input on those you think reduce greenhouse gases and other air contaminants; increase energy efficiency; reduce our reliance on fossil fuels; and/or help make our region more livable, or other comments)

Do you have any other feedback for the Metro Vancouver Climate 2050 Project Team to consider on Buildings and Climate Action?

Metro Vancouver’s Climate 2050 is a strategy that will guide climate change policy and action for Metro Vancouver for the next 30 years. The strategy addresses adaptation (responding to climate impacts) and mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions), both of which are necessary complements in addressing climate change. Currently Metro Vancouver is seeking input on mitigation portion of this discussion, and will in near future have a public dialogue on adaptation.